Religion & Politics

[Slyder]

I am curious what other DUers think about this. When an elected legislator proclaims his or her intention to vote in accordance to his religious views, does he then have the right to turn around and say that his religious views are private? Or does the voting public have the right to ask questions about those religious views?

It is my opinion that he forfeited the right to privacy about his religion when he stated that he intends to vote his religion. He has brought religion into the political marketplace, he is my elected representative, and I have the right to ask questions about things that, by his words, will affect how he represents me.

And we Progressives need to be asking a lot of questions. The Fourth Estate is much too cowardly to do so. It looks like it is up to the Commons, the Third Estate, to take the bull by the horns.

The RW now speaks of a generic Christianity, but specifics will sow division among them. Even the act of our questioning, whether we get answers or not, will work against them. It might cause the undecided middle to think. For instance, do we really want the government to decide what is and isn't a religion?

[imenja]

1. I absolutely agree

and I say that as a Christian. If he says his religious views provide a foundation for how he votes, he must share those views with the public. Hold him to the fire until he does. It sounds to me like it might have been a lot of hot hair though. He might be mentioning religion just to curry favor with religious voters. Who knows.

[Tux]

6. As a Buddhist

They must state exactly what they believe but also consider the views of others. They are representing the people, not themselves.

[bridgit]

2. you are enterd heaven...

...by The Grace of The Goddess.

[newyawker99]

9. Hi bridgit!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[bridgit]

11. hi newyawker99!!

:hi:

[blogbear]

3. The Union of Church-State

Was not a match made in heaven. I see no reason why our modern day Round-heads shouldn't be held up to the same standards and scrutiny they see so fit for others!

[lastknowngood]

4. Spike Jones look it up

n/t

[ktowntennesseedem]

5. I agree also.

It's one thing to state that your faith plays a role in your decision-making process. As a Christian myself, my faith is an inescapable and integral part of who I am, and it does come into play in many of the choices I make.

It's quite another thing to come off sounding like your faith will dictate your every action and decision. If that is the case, we have every right to inquire into one's religious views, because that should reveal how they will vote on political matters. Those "private" religious views become front and center in a very public arena, and we should be free to question them.

Sounds to me like they want to keep those religious views private to keep from being labeled a hypocrite when they vote contrary to those views.

[kodi]

7. 'tis strange how objective examination of religion is called intolerance

and i agree with slyder, demand that politicians articulate their value system and how it is reflected in their actions.

[Zhade]

10. "'tis strange how objective examination of religion is called intolerance"

Man, I couldn't agree more with you or the OP! Question one little contradiction in the bible, or its supernatural elements, and suddenly you're "anti-Christian". Of course, there are some Christians who don't believe the mythical parts (I've seen them called "fake" for that, too).

The OP is right, and it's an important point. If it were my rep, I'd want to know if he was basing his votes on his personal religious beliefs rather than on the will of his constituency (assuming the latter doesn't want to harm those who disagree with them).

[Festivito]

8. Wow! This guy can look himself in the face.

... because he has two of them.

Makes public decisioning is by religion, then says what he made public is private. Can you say George Orwell doublespeak?

NOTE: Your last sentence. Yes, we want democracy able to make decisions we share, such as what is a religion. As to what is religious, that is personal, and not the perview of consensus.

[lynne]

12. If a politician intends to vote in line with his religion -

- pull up the Discipline or Doctrine of Faith for whatever religion and/or denomination the politician is.

That should give you a good idea as to how they will be voting.